"I was one of the most qualified persons in my Company and with multiple skills and decades of experience but became the first victim of Recession" said Mr. Saad, an Indian expat and an ex-executive of a Multinational Company. This is in contrary to everyone's imagination that the recession has very limited effect or no effect in the Saudi Arabian Industry. Last year during August, when his Manager informed him about the sad news he felt as if the earth has slipped under his feet. In his career spanning more than two decades he never ever imagined that one day he will become the victim of recession.
However his immediate efforts to get resettled brought him excellent initial offers, which were evaporated within weeks of getting them due to the recessionary effects on the companies. Even though he was the first casualty of the recession in his Company but as the months progressed he was seeing the impact of the same on at-least 15% of the expat workforce.
One advantage of the recession is that it gives an opportunity to the companies and individuals to re-assess their finances and helps in toning up of their money and savings skills. Many organizations have cut down their unwanted work force and many have reduced or have done away with the perks, which were given to employees irrespective of their capability or performance.
Some Companies were badly hit by the recession and the fall in the steel prices world-wide, which led them to go on drastic cost cutting measures. They were left with no options but to lay off the workers or send them on long leave. One of the victims of this trend was a Pakistani Foreman, Mr. Ubaid, who was recruited some 6 months before the impact of recession to his Company. Since he had worked in other GCC countries for last 4 years and had sufficient savings. He opted for long leave to over come the problem of recession, but was apprehensive of whether the Company may re-call him or this will be the end of his contract with the Company.
Most of the economies are picking up from the acute recession. Inspite of these, one of the recent victims is Mr. Azam Khan, a Technical Manager of a Telecom Company, who hails from the southern part of India and has put in more than 16 years of service with the Company. Unfortunately he was sacked in the middle of this year and since then he is unsuccessfully and desperately trying to get a reasonable job as he has got an ultimatum of three months to get a job and avail the transfer of his Iqama (residence permit) or else leave the country on exit. He is unable to get a suitable position and feels that it may take quite some time to get a right job. He prefers to leave for his home town rather than do some odd jobs for the sake of transferable Iqama.
The excessive salaries, perks and wastage in expenses by various companies had increased their operating costs. But the recession has made them make hard choices to cut down the costs in-order to beak even or make profit. The recently concluded G20 Summit had debated on the issue of curbing the pay and perks of the Bankers and agreed on controlling it. This will go in long way in controlling the spiraling operating costs of not only bankers but also other businesses. Ironically the victims of recession may or may not find a solace with all these changes.
Mr Mohammed Sadullah Khan, is a freelance writer and a commentator. He can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Elusive Charity
A healthy man becomes disabled due to bureaucracy. We can imagine the plight of disabled or helpless persons, when it comes to facing the bureaucracy. Few months back in Mumbai a 7 year old girl died due to starvation in-spite of presence of huge funds with the community body. The mother of the girl was deserted by her husband and was facing acute financial crisis. The main reason for the lack of help from the body was a big bureaucratic hurdle. A lot need to be done to alleviate the suffering of the needy and bring about the elusive aid to their rescue.
31-08-2009
31-08-2009
Job-Oriented Courses
Mr. Mohammed Sadullah Khan, Faculty Member, Institute of Banking, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
One of the major problems faced by the young university graduates and post-graduates is the lack of availability of jobs. Too few jobs are available for these prospects and too many competitors. The best way to overcome this situation is to provide them with the vocational courses and some short courses on entrepreneurial development. This not only helps them in boosting their confidence but also in providing better job opportunities. Self employment options should be provided with the help of Banks and large corporations.
30-08-2009
Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the easiest available energy in the desert areas. It can be used for domestic and commercial purposes. It is practical to use this energy, as this will have a direct impact on saving on fossil fuel and costing in the long run. Initially as with any new project there will be apprehension for acceptance of this type of energy. Another factor which may deter the use of solar energy is the initial establishment cost. To encourage the use of solar energy, subsidies should be provided.
29-08-2009
29-08-2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Hyderabadi Ramadan in Saudi Arabia
Like many Hyderabadis, I had the opportunity to live and work in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has become a home away from home. Ramadan is the blessed month for Muslims and a time to earn great rewards. It is spiritually and physically the best month for Muslims. As Muslims follow the Hijrah (Lunar) calendar, which is shorter by 11 days as compared to Gregorian (Solar) Calendar. This allows the sliding of the Ramadan each year by 11 days and it comes in different seasons over a long period. This gives Muslims an opportunity to fast in different weather conditions. Saudi Arabia provides a conducive and congenial atmosphere for fasting and it is one of the best places for fasting.
Having spent fifteen years in Saudi Arabia, we had an opportunity to fast in Spring, Winter and now Summer. This year Ramadan is in Summer i.e., during the months of August/September. Over 90% of the population in Saudi Arabia fasts and there are restrictions on public eating during the period of the fast, this facilitates easy fasting. The Masjids are bustling with the devout during this month. For many bachelors breaking Iftar at Masjid is a boon, as there are a variety of food is provided at the Masjids. This helps them from strains of making preparations at home.
However those with their families have a different strategy they break the fast at homes, Iftar parties are held for friends and relatives. Some Iftar parties are held outdoors or near the Corniches. The Maghrib and Isha prayers are held in the open areas.
There are many attractions of Ramadan, the month it selves, fasting, tarawi, Lailatul Qadr, Umra, Zakat, Fitra, Eid and the routine Iftar Parties.
During the last ten nights of Ramadan mid-night prayers are held. It is for Lailatul Qadar, which is explored during the last 10 odd nights. It is equivalent to 1000 months and no Muslim wants to miss this blessed night.
Another blessed aspect of Ramadan is that people plan and go for Umra. It is said that an Umra during Ramazan carries a reward equivalent to Haj, even though Umra is optional whereas Haj is mandatory upon meeting certain conditions. Quran is read as and when there is an opportunity especially after each prayer. Maximum charity, Zakat and good deeds are done during Ramadan to reap the best returns as promised by Allah.
The Hyderabadi community, which is the second largest community among Indians in Saudi Arabia, has its own unique way of making preparations for Iftar parties.
A typical Iftar Party preparation starts a day before, with two to three items readied for the Iftar party. Rest of the items, are prepared on the day of the Iftar party. For Iftar the families start arriving half an hour before the Iftar time. Ladies and children are sent to separate room and the Gents sit in a separate room The dining sheet is spread and gets filled with a variety of food items but the common ones are Dahi Vada, chickpeas, Laban with Rooh Afza, Samosas, Haleem, Dates (khajoor), fruit juices and water. As soon as the Magrib Azaan is heard the fast is broken with the Khajoor (Dates) and the delicacies are devoured. The eating session last between 10 to 15 minutes then everyone rushes for Magrib Prayers. After the prayer everyone is back at their respective places. Few minutes later, it is time for a good filling meal. Once again the dinner sheet is spread, but now the items are totally of different variety. People try to follow the typical traditional hyderabadi menu like biryani, roti, mirchiyon ka salan (sweet chilly curry), Dahi ki chatni (made of Curd), dry chicken and chicken 65. On the top of it a standard Double ka metha (sweet made of bread, sugar and other ingredients) and or Kheer is made. Once the dinner is over then tea is served. The tea is with a good amount of milk and sugar. After dinner there is a time for little chat and usually revolves around as to the payment of Zakat and Fitra (which has to be provided to the less fortunate people) and other noble acts, then time to go for Isha and Tarawi prayers.
The night prayers are one of the best opportunities for earning rewards from Allah. Once the prayers are over then every one gets into their routine of next day's fast.
The sighting of moon not only brings about a joy of Eid, but also a bit of disappointment as the blessed month has ended. A large number of Hyderabadi's plan for vacation during Eid Holidays and celebrate Eid in Hyderabad.
Mohammed Sadullah Khan, is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Saudi Arabia and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.
Having spent fifteen years in Saudi Arabia, we had an opportunity to fast in Spring, Winter and now Summer. This year Ramadan is in Summer i.e., during the months of August/September. Over 90% of the population in Saudi Arabia fasts and there are restrictions on public eating during the period of the fast, this facilitates easy fasting. The Masjids are bustling with the devout during this month. For many bachelors breaking Iftar at Masjid is a boon, as there are a variety of food is provided at the Masjids. This helps them from strains of making preparations at home.
However those with their families have a different strategy they break the fast at homes, Iftar parties are held for friends and relatives. Some Iftar parties are held outdoors or near the Corniches. The Maghrib and Isha prayers are held in the open areas.
There are many attractions of Ramadan, the month it selves, fasting, tarawi, Lailatul Qadr, Umra, Zakat, Fitra, Eid and the routine Iftar Parties.
During the last ten nights of Ramadan mid-night prayers are held. It is for Lailatul Qadar, which is explored during the last 10 odd nights. It is equivalent to 1000 months and no Muslim wants to miss this blessed night.
Another blessed aspect of Ramadan is that people plan and go for Umra. It is said that an Umra during Ramazan carries a reward equivalent to Haj, even though Umra is optional whereas Haj is mandatory upon meeting certain conditions. Quran is read as and when there is an opportunity especially after each prayer. Maximum charity, Zakat and good deeds are done during Ramadan to reap the best returns as promised by Allah.
The Hyderabadi community, which is the second largest community among Indians in Saudi Arabia, has its own unique way of making preparations for Iftar parties.
A typical Iftar Party preparation starts a day before, with two to three items readied for the Iftar party. Rest of the items, are prepared on the day of the Iftar party. For Iftar the families start arriving half an hour before the Iftar time. Ladies and children are sent to separate room and the Gents sit in a separate room The dining sheet is spread and gets filled with a variety of food items but the common ones are Dahi Vada, chickpeas, Laban with Rooh Afza, Samosas, Haleem, Dates (khajoor), fruit juices and water. As soon as the Magrib Azaan is heard the fast is broken with the Khajoor (Dates) and the delicacies are devoured. The eating session last between 10 to 15 minutes then everyone rushes for Magrib Prayers. After the prayer everyone is back at their respective places. Few minutes later, it is time for a good filling meal. Once again the dinner sheet is spread, but now the items are totally of different variety. People try to follow the typical traditional hyderabadi menu like biryani, roti, mirchiyon ka salan (sweet chilly curry), Dahi ki chatni (made of Curd), dry chicken and chicken 65. On the top of it a standard Double ka metha (sweet made of bread, sugar and other ingredients) and or Kheer is made. Once the dinner is over then tea is served. The tea is with a good amount of milk and sugar. After dinner there is a time for little chat and usually revolves around as to the payment of Zakat and Fitra (which has to be provided to the less fortunate people) and other noble acts, then time to go for Isha and Tarawi prayers.
The night prayers are one of the best opportunities for earning rewards from Allah. Once the prayers are over then every one gets into their routine of next day's fast.
The sighting of moon not only brings about a joy of Eid, but also a bit of disappointment as the blessed month has ended. A large number of Hyderabadi's plan for vacation during Eid Holidays and celebrate Eid in Hyderabad.
Mohammed Sadullah Khan, is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Saudi Arabia and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Insurance of Construction and Erection Projects in Saudi Arabia and Different types of Insurance Policies.
Answer Key Sample Test - II***11 c 12 c 13 b 14 d 15 b 16 a 17 c 18 d 19 a 20 a
As lot of construction activity is taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The following information will be useful to the Principals, Contractors, sub-contractors and other interested parties.
In most of the Civil Engineering or Machinery Erection Projects the Project Management faces the problem of fixing the responsibility for insuring the risks to which the project is exposed and for administering the insurance policies. The Project Manager and the Risk Manager has to assess the risks they face in the Project and shall have to make a decicion on the extent of insurance covers needed. Even when the other parties are obliged to insure various risks relating to the Project ultimately the cost will have to be borne by the Employer directly or indirectly.
2. THE EMPLOYER'S RISKS:
2.1. The Employer has the highest stake in completing the Project and hence in its insurance covers.
2.2. In most of the cases, contracts can be better dealt with by the Employer assuming the responsibility for insurance. The Employer should foresee contingencies such as insolvency of the contractor, default by the Contractors, suspension/ termination of the Contractor replacing him with another Contractor etc while providing the insurance requirements.
2.3. The factors in favour of the Employer carrying the insurable risks are:
(a) The Employer has to pay the premium either directly or indirectly (costs built in the contract price). By combining the insurance requirements of various Contractors the volume of premium will be high enough to secure better insurance terms from the market.
(b) The Employers has the highest stake in completing the project since his investment is exposed to the perils
(c) The Contractors tend to cover their exposure only
(d) Cover can be continued with the Fire Insurers for the completed sections
(e) No gaps or grey areas as in the policies procured by the Contractors
(f) Employer is protected in case of insolvency or termination of the Contractor and apponintment of another to complete the contract
(g) Employer is protected against under-insurance if the insurances are properly arranged
(h) Employer's insurance can take care of common facilities and utilities which may be used by many contractors
(i) Employer can cover the risks of price escalation and replacement escalation where as the Contractors will be unwilling to cover such escalation in price
(j) Coordination and completion of restoration works following a major loss to works carried out by different contractors will be easy if the indemnity is provided by one insurer
(k) Following major losses it may not be possible to replace a machinery with another one of the same kind due to changes in technology. Employer's policy will be able to deal with the situation better in such a contingency
(l) Employer is familiar with the local law and the import and customs law. Hence he can arrange protection needed to meet their reqirement.
(m) If the Employer purchases the materials and supplies the same to the Contractor for Erection disputes may not arise between the Marine Insurer (of the Employer) and the Construction Risk Insurer as to when the damage occurred (when the materials are not checked as soon as they land or at the site) if both risks are covered by the same insurer
(n) Administration of the insurance function will be easier and less expensive if the Employer effects policies including the interest of the Contractors and manages the risk using one centralised office for the whole project. Coordination will be easier with this type of centralised administration. This will also avoid time and effort spent on actions for recovery by different Insurers insuring different interests of the same subject matter affected.
2.4. Even if the responsibility for managing the risks is passed on to the Contractors and the Employer is named as an insured, the Employer will continue to carry the following risks:
2.4.1. MATERIAL DAMAGE AND LIABILITY:
(a) Loss, damage or liability arising out of faulty design of the works by the Engineer
(b) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by the "excepted risks" such as the war, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), invasion, act of foreighn enemies, revolution, insurrection or military or usurped power,civil war, riot, commotion or disorder, ionising radiations or contaminations by radio-activity from any nuclear fuel or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of nuclear fuel, radio-active toxic explosive or other hazardous properties of any explosive, nuclear assembly or nuclear component thereof, pressure waves caused by air craft or other aerial devices travelling at sonic or super sonic speeds, or any other operation of the forces of nature as an experienced contractor could not foresee, or reasonably make provision for (force majeure)
(d) Loss or damage arising out of riot, strike or civil commotion or disorder
(e) Loss or damage to the works or part of the works taken in to use or is occupied by the Employer
(f) Non disclosure or misdescription of any material fact affecting the risk or any material changes affecting the risk
(g) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by wilful act or wilful negligence of the insured (Employer) or his responsible representative
(h) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by cessation of work whether total or partial
(i) Loss or damge occuring after commencement of tests on the second hand machinery installed
2.4.2. MATERIAL DAMAGE SECTION:
In addition to the above risks mentioned in paragraph 2.4.1, the following risk are also to the account of the Employer even if the responsibility for insurance is passed on to the contractor:
(a) Financial, consequential and trade losses such as the loss of anticipated profits due to delayed completion of the project, additional capital to be invested due to escalationin the project cost, penalties, fines, failure to secure special priviledges from the authorities due to delays (eg. concessional customs duties available during a period), loss of the targeted market etc.
(b) Faulty design or defective material if these are supplied by the Employer
(c) Loss or damage to materials supplied by the Employer due to normal wear and tear, corrosion oxidation or other normal atmospheric conditions
2.4.3. THIRD PARTY LIABILITY:
In addition to the above risks mentioned in paragraph 2.4.1, the Employer is exposed to the following risks in case of bankruptcy or closure of the Contracting Company the following risk are also to the account of the Employer even if the responsibility for insurance is passed on to the Contractor, unless each of the following risks is adequately insured by the party directly liable for the loss under specific policies such as the Workmen Compensation Insurance Property All Risks Insurance, Aviation Liability Insurance or the Motor Vehicle Insurance.
(a) Legal liability to pay compensation for damages consequent up on accidental bodily injury to or illness of third parties not connected with the project work (whether fatal or not) and accidental loss of damage to property belonging to third parties occuring in direct connection with the erection, construction or testing on the insured project work and happening on or in the immediate vicinity of the of the site during the period of the cover
(b) Legal liability to pay similar compensation for damages to one party involved in the construction work caused by another party involved in the same contract work
(c) Liability consequent upon bodily injury to or illness of Employees or Workmen of the Principal, Contractors or any other Firm connected with the Project
(d) Liability consequent up on loss of or damage to property belonging to or held in care, custody or control of the the Principal, Contractors and any other Firm connected with the Project
(e) Liability consequent up on any accident caused by vehicles licensed for general road use or by waterborne vessel or craft
(f) Liability assumed by agreement unless such liability would have attached also in the absence of such agreement
(A) DAMAGE TO MATERIALS USED IN THE PROJECT:
Construction Projects involving Civil Engineering Works and Machinery Erection are exposed to the following risks:
1. Materials forming part of the construction work:
(a) Construction/ Erection Risks while carrying out exploratory and/ proto type testing works such as drilling of test bore holes, exploratory excavations etc
(b) Storage risks at the suppliers' and manufacturers' premises for imported and locally supplied materials which have already been sold but not delivered to the Contractor/ Principal
(c) Marine/ transit risks from the suppliers'/ manufacturers' premises to the site of erection for materials to be imported including the risks of incidental & or intermidiate storages
(d) Storages in bonded warehouses and/ or Project warehouses near the port of entry
(e) Transits to and from the fabricators premises outside the construction site (for materials procured by the Contractor/ Principal and sent for fabrication/ assembly/ further process prior to Erection at site)
(f) Risks during storage and fabrication/ assembly/ process at the intermediate fabricators premises mentioned in (d) above
(g) Off site storages and inland transit from such storage locations to the site
(h) Storage at site
(i) Storage risks of materials procured for contracted/ subcontracted work but in custody of the Principal/ Contractor waiting to be handed over to the Contractor/ Sub-Contractor
(j) Normal construction/ erection risk at site
(k) Risks due to defective material and/ or defective workmanship
(l) Risks due to faulty design
(m) Completed portion of the work handed over to the Contractor but not handed over to the Principal
(n) Completed sections taken over by the Principal but not taken in to use due to delay in completion of other sections
(o) Risks during testing of each section of the Machinery on load
(p) Integrated final testing of the complete line of Machinery on full load resulting in achievement of commercial production
(q) The period of test run on load
(r) Risks during the Period Of Maintenance
(s) Risks during the Period Of Guarantee
2. Materials used for or inconnection with the Project but not forming part of the work (temporary works not fully written of in the Project, Constructional Plant, Equipment and Machinery and Temporary Buildings such as Stores, Labour Camp etc):
(a) Risks during transit from the storage premises of the owner to the site of Erection/ Construction
(b) Risks during storage off site
(c) Transit to and from such storage location to site and back daily/ periodically
(c) Risks during storage at site.
3. Unless specifically insured a normal Contractors/ Erection All Risks Policy will indemnify the Insured the cost of rectifying or replacing the item affected to the extent insured provided the loss did not occur due to any excepted peril. Such cover is provided for items 1(g) and 1(i) above if only the total contract value is declared for insurance. Even for these the following losses and/ or costs are not covered unless specifically agreed at the inception of the policy:
(a) Architects, Surveyors and Consulting Engineers Fees to be incurred for reinstating the damaged property
(b) Riot, strike and civil commotion risks
(c) Cost of removal of debris following an indemnifiable damage to the contract work
(d) Express freight (other than air freight) for replacements/ spares following an occurrence
(e) Overtime, night work and holiday wages for repairs/ replacements following an occurrence
(f) Air freight for replacements and spare parts to be procured following an occurrence
(g) Additional customs duties for replacements/ spares to be procured following an occurrence
(h) Escalation in prices of replacements/ spares to be procured following an occurrence (escalation may be due to inflation, incresed demand, reduced supply, increased cost of production, exchange rate fluctuation, original discounts not available for replacements etc; estimation of this should be based on the replacement cost of the project following a major catastrophic loss at the end of the construction period)
(i) Escalation in the cost of the project due to the reasons stated in (h) above (limit of indemnity being the Escalated Project Value)
(j) Cost of new parts for repairing second hand machinery and equipments
(k) Loss of or damage to existing or surrounding property (not forming part of the contract work) caused by the construction work
(l) Cost of removal of debris following land slides/ erosions and the cost of repairing the erroded slopes
(m) Cost of replacement with newer/ improved model of the machine in the place of the destroyed (total loss) machine when the same model or its equivalent is not produced any more
(n) Financial losses such as the loss of expected profits to be generated caused by the delay in completion of the project on account of an indemnifiable material loss or damage
(o) Guarantee for the works following the maintenance period (5 years or 10 years guarantee for Buildings and Civil Engineering Works and additional 1 or 2 years guarantee for Machinery)
(p) Loss of or damage to the Material Handling Equipments and other Machinery when they are being used for the Construction/ Erection activity after such equipments have been installed unless such equipments are insured as "Construction Plant and Machinery" for the period they will be used for the erection work by the Contractor or the Principal. Such equipments should also be insured as part of the Contract Work (the Contract Work sum insured also should include the value of such equipments) if such equipments will be taken over by the Principal as a part of the Main Project). An example is a gantry crane installed in a production bay and used for lifting the production machinery during installation.
(B) LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES ARISING OUT OF THE WORK:
Third party liability risks to which the Principal is exposed to are:
Liability for accidental bodily injury or illness and for accidental loss of or damage to property caused by
(a) The Principal or his representatives and employees to Third Parties and the Property of Third Parties not connected with the Project
(b) The Principal or his representatives and employees to other Parties engaged in the Contract Work and to their Property
Liability for accidental bodily injury or illness and for accidental loss of damage to property caused by
(a) The Contractors and other parties employed by the Principal in connection with the Construction/ Erection Work to third parties not connected with the project
(b) Any of the Contractor or the other parties employed by the Contractor in connection with the Contract Work caused to another party or another Contractor employed for the same project
Liability for loss of or damage to property in care, custody or control of the Principal
CHECKLIST FOR RISK MANAGERS OF CONSTRUCTION/ ERECTION PROJECTS:
DESIGN & CONSULT:
Insurance cover for Architects, Design Engineers and Consulting Engineers:
(a) Professional Indemnity cover to be producured by the Architects, Design Engineers and Consulting Engineers: limit of indemnity to be specified by the Principal depending on the exposure
Name of the specialist Period of cover Limit of indemnity
(b) Personal insurances for these officials and their assistants:
Cover Period of Limit of Schedule of
required insurance indemnity items
Motor vehicle insurance
Workmen Compensation insurance
General liability insurance
Insurance covers for the employer/ principal:
(a) Contactors all risks and third party liability covers including the following extensions:
Risks to be covered:
Insurance covers for the contractors and the sub contractors:
(a) Marine/ inland transit cover for materials supplied
(a) Contractors all risks and third party liability covers including the following extensions
(b) Plant all risks cover
(c) Motor vehicle insurance
Cover to include:
(d) Workmen compensation insurance
(e) Medicare and personal accident covers
(f) Bonds
(g) Fire and perils covers for off site accommodation, offices, warehouse buildings etc (permanent buildings taken on lease and the contents not absorbed in the contract price)
(h) General liability cover
Courtesy - S A Khan, General Manager, Creative Associates
Most of the type of Insurance Policies available in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. India and world over.
All risks insurance,
Aviation insurance,
Accidental Insurance
Business interruption insurance,
Construction insurance in Saudi Arabia,
Construction All Risks Insurance,
Casaulty Insurance,
Credit Insurance,
Credit Guarantee Insurance,
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Poultry Insurance,
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Marine Insurance in Saudi Arabia,
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Medical malpractice insurance,
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Motor,
Personal possession insurance,
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Property all risks insurance,
Third party insurance in saudi arabia,
Travel insurance in saudi arabia,
Workmen compensation,
Insurance Industry in India is also booming. After Privatisation there are more opportunities in Indian Insurance Industry and the regulatory examinations are helping in building of Insurance awareness among the general public in India.
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 |
| Photo by Mohammed Sadullah Khan - Massive Construction Project |
As lot of construction activity is taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The following information will be useful to the Principals, Contractors, sub-contractors and other interested parties.
In most of the Civil Engineering or Machinery Erection Projects the Project Management faces the problem of fixing the responsibility for insuring the risks to which the project is exposed and for administering the insurance policies. The Project Manager and the Risk Manager has to assess the risks they face in the Project and shall have to make a decicion on the extent of insurance covers needed. Even when the other parties are obliged to insure various risks relating to the Project ultimately the cost will have to be borne by the Employer directly or indirectly.
2. THE EMPLOYER'S RISKS:
2.1. The Employer has the highest stake in completing the Project and hence in its insurance covers.
2.2. In most of the cases, contracts can be better dealt with by the Employer assuming the responsibility for insurance. The Employer should foresee contingencies such as insolvency of the contractor, default by the Contractors, suspension/ termination of the Contractor replacing him with another Contractor etc while providing the insurance requirements.
2.3. The factors in favour of the Employer carrying the insurable risks are:
(a) The Employer has to pay the premium either directly or indirectly (costs built in the contract price). By combining the insurance requirements of various Contractors the volume of premium will be high enough to secure better insurance terms from the market.
(b) The Employers has the highest stake in completing the project since his investment is exposed to the perils
(c) The Contractors tend to cover their exposure only
(d) Cover can be continued with the Fire Insurers for the completed sections
(e) No gaps or grey areas as in the policies procured by the Contractors
(f) Employer is protected in case of insolvency or termination of the Contractor and apponintment of another to complete the contract
(g) Employer is protected against under-insurance if the insurances are properly arranged
(h) Employer's insurance can take care of common facilities and utilities which may be used by many contractors
(i) Employer can cover the risks of price escalation and replacement escalation where as the Contractors will be unwilling to cover such escalation in price
(j) Coordination and completion of restoration works following a major loss to works carried out by different contractors will be easy if the indemnity is provided by one insurer
(k) Following major losses it may not be possible to replace a machinery with another one of the same kind due to changes in technology. Employer's policy will be able to deal with the situation better in such a contingency
(l) Employer is familiar with the local law and the import and customs law. Hence he can arrange protection needed to meet their reqirement.
(m) If the Employer purchases the materials and supplies the same to the Contractor for Erection disputes may not arise between the Marine Insurer (of the Employer) and the Construction Risk Insurer as to when the damage occurred (when the materials are not checked as soon as they land or at the site) if both risks are covered by the same insurer
(n) Administration of the insurance function will be easier and less expensive if the Employer effects policies including the interest of the Contractors and manages the risk using one centralised office for the whole project. Coordination will be easier with this type of centralised administration. This will also avoid time and effort spent on actions for recovery by different Insurers insuring different interests of the same subject matter affected.
2.4. Even if the responsibility for managing the risks is passed on to the Contractors and the Employer is named as an insured, the Employer will continue to carry the following risks:
2.4.1. MATERIAL DAMAGE AND LIABILITY:
(a) Loss, damage or liability arising out of faulty design of the works by the Engineer
(b) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by the "excepted risks" such as the war, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), invasion, act of foreighn enemies, revolution, insurrection or military or usurped power,civil war, riot, commotion or disorder, ionising radiations or contaminations by radio-activity from any nuclear fuel or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of nuclear fuel, radio-active toxic explosive or other hazardous properties of any explosive, nuclear assembly or nuclear component thereof, pressure waves caused by air craft or other aerial devices travelling at sonic or super sonic speeds, or any other operation of the forces of nature as an experienced contractor could not foresee, or reasonably make provision for (force majeure)
(d) Loss or damage arising out of riot, strike or civil commotion or disorder
(e) Loss or damage to the works or part of the works taken in to use or is occupied by the Employer
(f) Non disclosure or misdescription of any material fact affecting the risk or any material changes affecting the risk
(g) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by wilful act or wilful negligence of the insured (Employer) or his responsible representative
(h) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by cessation of work whether total or partial
(i) Loss or damge occuring after commencement of tests on the second hand machinery installed
2.4.2. MATERIAL DAMAGE SECTION:
In addition to the above risks mentioned in paragraph 2.4.1, the following risk are also to the account of the Employer even if the responsibility for insurance is passed on to the contractor:
(a) Financial, consequential and trade losses such as the loss of anticipated profits due to delayed completion of the project, additional capital to be invested due to escalationin the project cost, penalties, fines, failure to secure special priviledges from the authorities due to delays (eg. concessional customs duties available during a period), loss of the targeted market etc.
(b) Faulty design or defective material if these are supplied by the Employer
(c) Loss or damage to materials supplied by the Employer due to normal wear and tear, corrosion oxidation or other normal atmospheric conditions
2.4.3. THIRD PARTY LIABILITY:
In addition to the above risks mentioned in paragraph 2.4.1, the Employer is exposed to the following risks in case of bankruptcy or closure of the Contracting Company the following risk are also to the account of the Employer even if the responsibility for insurance is passed on to the Contractor, unless each of the following risks is adequately insured by the party directly liable for the loss under specific policies such as the Workmen Compensation Insurance Property All Risks Insurance, Aviation Liability Insurance or the Motor Vehicle Insurance.
(a) Legal liability to pay compensation for damages consequent up on accidental bodily injury to or illness of third parties not connected with the project work (whether fatal or not) and accidental loss of damage to property belonging to third parties occuring in direct connection with the erection, construction or testing on the insured project work and happening on or in the immediate vicinity of the of the site during the period of the cover
(b) Legal liability to pay similar compensation for damages to one party involved in the construction work caused by another party involved in the same contract work
(c) Liability consequent upon bodily injury to or illness of Employees or Workmen of the Principal, Contractors or any other Firm connected with the Project
(d) Liability consequent up on loss of or damage to property belonging to or held in care, custody or control of the the Principal, Contractors and any other Firm connected with the Project
(e) Liability consequent up on any accident caused by vehicles licensed for general road use or by waterborne vessel or craft
(f) Liability assumed by agreement unless such liability would have attached also in the absence of such agreement
(A) DAMAGE TO MATERIALS USED IN THE PROJECT:
Construction Projects involving Civil Engineering Works and Machinery Erection are exposed to the following risks:
1. Materials forming part of the construction work:
(a) Construction/ Erection Risks while carrying out exploratory and/ proto type testing works such as drilling of test bore holes, exploratory excavations etc
(b) Storage risks at the suppliers' and manufacturers' premises for imported and locally supplied materials which have already been sold but not delivered to the Contractor/ Principal
(c) Marine/ transit risks from the suppliers'/ manufacturers' premises to the site of erection for materials to be imported including the risks of incidental & or intermidiate storages
(d) Storages in bonded warehouses and/ or Project warehouses near the port of entry
(e) Transits to and from the fabricators premises outside the construction site (for materials procured by the Contractor/ Principal and sent for fabrication/ assembly/ further process prior to Erection at site)
(f) Risks during storage and fabrication/ assembly/ process at the intermediate fabricators premises mentioned in (d) above
(g) Off site storages and inland transit from such storage locations to the site
(h) Storage at site
(i) Storage risks of materials procured for contracted/ subcontracted work but in custody of the Principal/ Contractor waiting to be handed over to the Contractor/ Sub-Contractor
(j) Normal construction/ erection risk at site
(k) Risks due to defective material and/ or defective workmanship
(l) Risks due to faulty design
(m) Completed portion of the work handed over to the Contractor but not handed over to the Principal
(n) Completed sections taken over by the Principal but not taken in to use due to delay in completion of other sections
(o) Risks during testing of each section of the Machinery on load
(p) Integrated final testing of the complete line of Machinery on full load resulting in achievement of commercial production
(q) The period of test run on load
(r) Risks during the Period Of Maintenance
(s) Risks during the Period Of Guarantee
2. Materials used for or inconnection with the Project but not forming part of the work (temporary works not fully written of in the Project, Constructional Plant, Equipment and Machinery and Temporary Buildings such as Stores, Labour Camp etc):
(a) Risks during transit from the storage premises of the owner to the site of Erection/ Construction
(b) Risks during storage off site
(c) Transit to and from such storage location to site and back daily/ periodically
(c) Risks during storage at site.
3. Unless specifically insured a normal Contractors/ Erection All Risks Policy will indemnify the Insured the cost of rectifying or replacing the item affected to the extent insured provided the loss did not occur due to any excepted peril. Such cover is provided for items 1(g) and 1(i) above if only the total contract value is declared for insurance. Even for these the following losses and/ or costs are not covered unless specifically agreed at the inception of the policy:
(a) Architects, Surveyors and Consulting Engineers Fees to be incurred for reinstating the damaged property
(b) Riot, strike and civil commotion risks
(c) Cost of removal of debris following an indemnifiable damage to the contract work
(d) Express freight (other than air freight) for replacements/ spares following an occurrence
(e) Overtime, night work and holiday wages for repairs/ replacements following an occurrence
(f) Air freight for replacements and spare parts to be procured following an occurrence
(g) Additional customs duties for replacements/ spares to be procured following an occurrence
(h) Escalation in prices of replacements/ spares to be procured following an occurrence (escalation may be due to inflation, incresed demand, reduced supply, increased cost of production, exchange rate fluctuation, original discounts not available for replacements etc; estimation of this should be based on the replacement cost of the project following a major catastrophic loss at the end of the construction period)
(i) Escalation in the cost of the project due to the reasons stated in (h) above (limit of indemnity being the Escalated Project Value)
(j) Cost of new parts for repairing second hand machinery and equipments
(k) Loss of or damage to existing or surrounding property (not forming part of the contract work) caused by the construction work
(l) Cost of removal of debris following land slides/ erosions and the cost of repairing the erroded slopes
(m) Cost of replacement with newer/ improved model of the machine in the place of the destroyed (total loss) machine when the same model or its equivalent is not produced any more
(n) Financial losses such as the loss of expected profits to be generated caused by the delay in completion of the project on account of an indemnifiable material loss or damage
(o) Guarantee for the works following the maintenance period (5 years or 10 years guarantee for Buildings and Civil Engineering Works and additional 1 or 2 years guarantee for Machinery)
(p) Loss of or damage to the Material Handling Equipments and other Machinery when they are being used for the Construction/ Erection activity after such equipments have been installed unless such equipments are insured as "Construction Plant and Machinery" for the period they will be used for the erection work by the Contractor or the Principal. Such equipments should also be insured as part of the Contract Work (the Contract Work sum insured also should include the value of such equipments) if such equipments will be taken over by the Principal as a part of the Main Project). An example is a gantry crane installed in a production bay and used for lifting the production machinery during installation.
(B) LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES ARISING OUT OF THE WORK:
Third party liability risks to which the Principal is exposed to are:
Liability for accidental bodily injury or illness and for accidental loss of or damage to property caused by
(a) The Principal or his representatives and employees to Third Parties and the Property of Third Parties not connected with the Project
(b) The Principal or his representatives and employees to other Parties engaged in the Contract Work and to their Property
Liability for accidental bodily injury or illness and for accidental loss of damage to property caused by
(a) The Contractors and other parties employed by the Principal in connection with the Construction/ Erection Work to third parties not connected with the project
(b) Any of the Contractor or the other parties employed by the Contractor in connection with the Contract Work caused to another party or another Contractor employed for the same project
Liability for loss of or damage to property in care, custody or control of the Principal
CHECKLIST FOR RISK MANAGERS OF CONSTRUCTION/ ERECTION PROJECTS:
DESIGN & CONSULT:
Insurance cover for Architects, Design Engineers and Consulting Engineers:
(a) Professional Indemnity cover to be producured by the Architects, Design Engineers and Consulting Engineers: limit of indemnity to be specified by the Principal depending on the exposure
Name of the specialist Period of cover Limit of indemnity
(b) Personal insurances for these officials and their assistants:
Cover Period of Limit of Schedule of
required insurance indemnity items
Motor vehicle insurance
Workmen Compensation insurance
General liability insurance
Insurance covers for the employer/ principal:
(a) Contactors all risks and third party liability covers including the following extensions:
Risks to be covered:
Insurance covers for the contractors and the sub contractors:
(a) Marine/ inland transit cover for materials supplied
(a) Contractors all risks and third party liability covers including the following extensions
(b) Plant all risks cover
(c) Motor vehicle insurance
Cover to include:
(d) Workmen compensation insurance
(e) Medicare and personal accident covers
(f) Bonds
(g) Fire and perils covers for off site accommodation, offices, warehouse buildings etc (permanent buildings taken on lease and the contents not absorbed in the contract price)
(h) General liability cover
Courtesy - S A Khan, General Manager, Creative Associates
Most of the type of Insurance Policies available in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. India and world over.
All risks insurance,
Aviation insurance,
Accidental Insurance
Business interruption insurance,
Construction insurance in Saudi Arabia,
Construction All Risks Insurance,
Casaulty Insurance,
Credit Insurance,
Credit Guarantee Insurance,
Directors and Officers Insurance,
Domestic maid insurance in saudi arabia,
Employee dishonesty insurance,
Erection insurance in saudi arabia,
Fidelity guarantee insurance in saudi arabia,
Fire insurance in Saudi Arabia,
Fisheries Insurance,
Group life insurance,
General insurance,
Health insurance in Saudi Arabia,
Insurance education in saudi arabia,
Liability,
Life insurance in saudi arabia,
Loss of profit,
Poultry Insurance,
Machinery insurance,
Machinery all risks insurance in saudi Arabia,
Marine Insurance in Saudi Arabia,
Medical insurance in saudi arabia,
Medical malpractice insurance,
Money insurance in saudi arabia,
Motor,
Personal possession insurance,
Professional insurance education in saudi arabia,
Property insurance in saudi arabia,
Property all risks insurance,
Third party insurance in saudi arabia,
Travel insurance in saudi arabia,
Workmen compensation,
Insurance Industry in India is also booming. After Privatisation there are more opportunities in Indian Insurance Industry and the regulatory examinations are helping in building of Insurance awareness among the general public in India.
Tags - All risks insurance,Aviation insurance,Accidental Insurance,Business interruption insurance,Theft and Burglary Insurance,Car Insurance in Saudi Arabia and India
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Afghanistan – towards a credible Democracy
The end of election process over the reports of death destruction, intimidation, vote-rigging, fraud and even cutting the fingure's of the voters needs a bit of pondering.. The pre election brazen suicide attack by Taliban, which killed eight at NATO's headquarters, did not deter the democratic election process.
The low turnout of the voter's, reflects that more than half of the population is not a part of this process. The results, which are expected to be declared soon, will announce the winning candidate. The winner President will have the support of less than quarter of the over-all population. Like previous elections the ethnic background has come into play in this election too.
There are also instances of proxy voting and biased elections workers. The efforts of the foreign troops and the election observers to lead the country into a credible democratic process should not be undermined. The voters were also wary of the situation and felt that their vote will hardly matter. They were assured of the same old faces and the continuation of the corruption and cronyism.
Whoever wins the election, in-order to make the country a better place he needs to be more dynamic and should take radical steps to provide security and the services to the common man. A vast majority of the country's population is illiterate and lacks common amenities. No doubt Afghans are the tough people and are not afraid of fighting for a cause. The years of battle has almost destroyed the entire infrastructure. The mines have killed many and maimed many, who find difficult to get the medical aid. Many have been orphaned and homeless. They have and are becoming easy victims of abuse.
The problem of drugs and money is one of the major problems of this region and it has flourished during the regime of Hamid Karzai. Illegal money creates war lords, who control various regions with the support from their ethnic groups. The rivals are usually at loggerheads with one another; this has lead to the easy availability of weapons, used in killings.
The current process of democratization looks too crude. It is a type of pre-historic democracy and still in its evolutionary phase. In earnestness this process must continue after the leaving of the foreign troops from Afghanistan. There is a possibility of the country getting into chaos at the earliest opportunity. The women empowerment is still a pipe dream. Few beauty saloons in the city and participation of few women athletes may not bring about the freedom and empowerment of the women as the western world wants to see. The average people are highly religious and the holy month of Ramadan has a very high significance. One of the major concern is that Dr. Abdullah Abdullah the strong contender to the Presidential position has made pre-emptive allegations of fraud and rigging. The declaration of result should not put Karzai in the Ahmadinejad's position Hope the results of the elections and the blessed month of Ramadan brings about peace and credible democracy to the country.
Mohammed Sadullah Khan is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Riyadh and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.
The low turnout of the voter's, reflects that more than half of the population is not a part of this process. The results, which are expected to be declared soon, will announce the winning candidate. The winner President will have the support of less than quarter of the over-all population. Like previous elections the ethnic background has come into play in this election too.
There are also instances of proxy voting and biased elections workers. The efforts of the foreign troops and the election observers to lead the country into a credible democratic process should not be undermined. The voters were also wary of the situation and felt that their vote will hardly matter. They were assured of the same old faces and the continuation of the corruption and cronyism.
Whoever wins the election, in-order to make the country a better place he needs to be more dynamic and should take radical steps to provide security and the services to the common man. A vast majority of the country's population is illiterate and lacks common amenities. No doubt Afghans are the tough people and are not afraid of fighting for a cause. The years of battle has almost destroyed the entire infrastructure. The mines have killed many and maimed many, who find difficult to get the medical aid. Many have been orphaned and homeless. They have and are becoming easy victims of abuse.
The problem of drugs and money is one of the major problems of this region and it has flourished during the regime of Hamid Karzai. Illegal money creates war lords, who control various regions with the support from their ethnic groups. The rivals are usually at loggerheads with one another; this has lead to the easy availability of weapons, used in killings.
The current process of democratization looks too crude. It is a type of pre-historic democracy and still in its evolutionary phase. In earnestness this process must continue after the leaving of the foreign troops from Afghanistan. There is a possibility of the country getting into chaos at the earliest opportunity. The women empowerment is still a pipe dream. Few beauty saloons in the city and participation of few women athletes may not bring about the freedom and empowerment of the women as the western world wants to see. The average people are highly religious and the holy month of Ramadan has a very high significance. One of the major concern is that Dr. Abdullah Abdullah the strong contender to the Presidential position has made pre-emptive allegations of fraud and rigging. The declaration of result should not put Karzai in the Ahmadinejad's position Hope the results of the elections and the blessed month of Ramadan brings about peace and credible democracy to the country.
Mohammed Sadullah Khan is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Riyadh and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Fire Prevention
The Kuwait fire incident during wedding was really unfortunate. It is being suspected that the cause of fire may be the malicious intent. Irrespective of the cause of fire had the Fire Prevention appliances were in place most of the lives could have been saved. The lack of adequate number of exit doors is also one of the major reasons for deaths. To avoid these types of incidents the premises for weddings should be adequately ventilated, tiles should be preferred instead of carpets, with sufficient number of fire exit's, kitchen should be at a safer distance from the partying area, good fire safety equipments should be available along with necessary training for safety. The guests should also be made aware of the safety facilities as a part of the Preventive measures. (17-08-2009).
Mohammed Sadullah Khan.
Mohammed Sadullah Khan.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Collaborative Culture
The current culture of conglomerates is to go for specialization and super specialization. This has given rise to isolation and a breeding ground for lack of co-operation and co-ordination. The deficiency of these two aspects of work culture has created a new breed of ignorant and alienated workers with individualistic goals. The ultimate sufferers are the entire stakeholders of an organization. The innovative consumer feels that he is in a limbo. The concept of Mentor is still alien to a vast majority of current Organizations. No doubt these have resulted in the failures of many Organizations. Every management should make sure to implement the concept of co-operation and co-ordination in their work culture in-order to synergise the efforts of its team.
16-09-2009
16-09-2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Umra and the Ugly virus H1N1
For over a year my family was pestering me for taking them to Mecca for Umra. But due to various circumstances I was unable to take them for Umra. Finally a decision was taken in late April to visit Mecca and perform Umra (popularly known as lesser Pilgrimage) in the last week of July.
Since early June the Swine flu hype was escalating and it actually started spreading throughout the world with each and every case being reported and monitored by the World Health Organization. This caused a flutter and nightmare in me. The swine flu had already reached the jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia. I was more concerned visualizing the impact it may have at the holy places. With fear in heart and faith in God, I did not want to disappoint my family members. I went to the local transporter for booking the seats and hotel for Umra, the rates were comparatively cheap. On enquiring about the swine flu and restrictions, I was informed that there is no problem so far. Money was paid to the transporter and the seats were booked.
On the day we were supposed to leave, it was reported in the Newspapers that a women who had come to perform Umra, had died of swine flu. The news made me jittery. Some of my colleagues feared for my visit and requested me to carry masks. I explained to them that the virus can enter our body from any source even by handling a knob at the door, touching the office desk or trolley at a super market. Finally I told them that Allah Karim. Later on I contacted my brother, who is a Medical doctor about my visit to Mecca for Umra and the case of the Egyptian women. He encouraged me to proceed without worry as we have come to an advanced stage of travel and explained about the types of Flu and their precautions.
With initial confidence, I was hoping for the last minute rescue by imagining that the government will cancel all the buses to Mecca or advise the pilgrims not to travel to Mecca, but nothing of that sort happened. When we saw the bus, it was bustling with pilgrims. Two Indian families, two Sudani families, two Pakistani families and rest of them were bachelors. Among bachelors almost eighty percent were Pakistanis, the rest were Bangladeshis and Indians.
As the Bus started moving ahead my fear galloped and was mindful of any kind of sneeze or cough. But fortunately in the entire journey no one sneezed or coughed. Finally we reached Mecca. Still my mind was acting like a surveillance camera, installed at the airports, scanning for persons with red eyes, temperature, cough or sneezing. Fortunately this time I did not see anyone coughing or sneezing nor suffering from fever.
The moment we stood in front of Kaaba, we were overjoyed, filled with excitement, felt fully blessed and forgot about everything related to the journey. It was a real breathtaking experience after a long time. The feeling was liberating and pulsating. For two days we were engrossed in prayers with attendance to minimum daily needs. During our visit to Kaaba, it was being washed and the door was open, we had a rare opportunity to have a glimpse inside the Kaaba.
Our successful mission was over. Unlike in the past, I used to get flu after going to Umra, this time I did not have any symptoms of Flu. After our return, we realized the havoc caused by the virus. Day after day the virus was becoming more virulent. The spread of Swine flu really got out of control. The WHO had decided not to count the number of affected persons. Restrictions were being imposed by certain clerics and countries in-respect of Haj and Umra. The Swine flu Pandemic was going ahead unabated with more infections and deaths being reported on daily basis. A new challenging question was lingering in our minds, whether to proceed on our annual vacation?
Mohammed Sadullah Khan is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Saudi Arabia and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.
Since early June the Swine flu hype was escalating and it actually started spreading throughout the world with each and every case being reported and monitored by the World Health Organization. This caused a flutter and nightmare in me. The swine flu had already reached the jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia. I was more concerned visualizing the impact it may have at the holy places. With fear in heart and faith in God, I did not want to disappoint my family members. I went to the local transporter for booking the seats and hotel for Umra, the rates were comparatively cheap. On enquiring about the swine flu and restrictions, I was informed that there is no problem so far. Money was paid to the transporter and the seats were booked.
On the day we were supposed to leave, it was reported in the Newspapers that a women who had come to perform Umra, had died of swine flu. The news made me jittery. Some of my colleagues feared for my visit and requested me to carry masks. I explained to them that the virus can enter our body from any source even by handling a knob at the door, touching the office desk or trolley at a super market. Finally I told them that Allah Karim. Later on I contacted my brother, who is a Medical doctor about my visit to Mecca for Umra and the case of the Egyptian women. He encouraged me to proceed without worry as we have come to an advanced stage of travel and explained about the types of Flu and their precautions.
With initial confidence, I was hoping for the last minute rescue by imagining that the government will cancel all the buses to Mecca or advise the pilgrims not to travel to Mecca, but nothing of that sort happened. When we saw the bus, it was bustling with pilgrims. Two Indian families, two Sudani families, two Pakistani families and rest of them were bachelors. Among bachelors almost eighty percent were Pakistanis, the rest were Bangladeshis and Indians.
As the Bus started moving ahead my fear galloped and was mindful of any kind of sneeze or cough. But fortunately in the entire journey no one sneezed or coughed. Finally we reached Mecca. Still my mind was acting like a surveillance camera, installed at the airports, scanning for persons with red eyes, temperature, cough or sneezing. Fortunately this time I did not see anyone coughing or sneezing nor suffering from fever.
The moment we stood in front of Kaaba, we were overjoyed, filled with excitement, felt fully blessed and forgot about everything related to the journey. It was a real breathtaking experience after a long time. The feeling was liberating and pulsating. For two days we were engrossed in prayers with attendance to minimum daily needs. During our visit to Kaaba, it was being washed and the door was open, we had a rare opportunity to have a glimpse inside the Kaaba.
Our successful mission was over. Unlike in the past, I used to get flu after going to Umra, this time I did not have any symptoms of Flu. After our return, we realized the havoc caused by the virus. Day after day the virus was becoming more virulent. The spread of Swine flu really got out of control. The WHO had decided not to count the number of affected persons. Restrictions were being imposed by certain clerics and countries in-respect of Haj and Umra. The Swine flu Pandemic was going ahead unabated with more infections and deaths being reported on daily basis. A new challenging question was lingering in our minds, whether to proceed on our annual vacation?
Mohammed Sadullah Khan is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Saudi Arabia and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Fire Safety
It is a really unfortunate incident. Most of the fires reported either emanates from the kitchen or electrical materials. The summer time is usually dangerous for porta cabins as their combustibility increases during these periods. Unfortunately we find most of the workers are usually crammed into these unsafe accommodations. To avoid these types of incidents the workers should be provided adequately ventilated accommodations, fire exits, kitchen should at a safer distance from the accommodation, good fire safety equipments and training for safety. The Safety department should conduct regular training for the workers in the use of safety equipments, precautions for preventing fires, actions to be taken during the fire and awareness of various other hazards during and after work.
05-08-2009 Published 06-08-2009
05-08-2009 Published 06-08-2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Swine Flu Scare
The swine flu scare has reached alarming proportions with the reporting of each and every death case. It is almost impossible to identify the swine flue from the ordinary flue without doing a proper test with the right equipment. The arrival of flue season and pilgrimage season is going make things more nightmarish. The virus can enter the system through air, food and other contamination. It will be more beneficial if the face masks are worn by the persons who are infected with flu of any kind and are made to follow more precautions than the suspecting victims. A right educational campaign will be more helpful in curbing the Flu. \
(30-07-2009)
(30-07-2009)
Knee Jerk Reaction
The hype created by swine flu is really causing nightmares to many. Many questions are left unanswered, especially the questions relating to vacation, schools, umra and Haj. The decision of the Iran to cancel all flights to Saudi Arabia emanates from the facts and fear of swine flu. On daily basis, the deaths are being reported from many corners of the world and it is sparing none. However inspite of this we find Airports, Railway stations, Supermarkets and Bus stations are crowded as usual. Precautions are essential but impossible to implement under normal circumstances. Hope the virus gets decimated naturally with time.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Job Oriented Training
The churning of graduates and postgraduates by various educational institutions initially gives an opportunity for them to qualify for the job markets. However during the recessionary period, when the jobs are dwindling there will be more competition and the routine education is of very little help. In such time more short-term job oriented courses should be offered in-order to compete in the job market. As far as Small Enterprises are concerned, well developed Entrepreneural Development Programmes should be offered to the suitable candidates so that they do not waste their time waiting for the elusive jobs but can start their own businesses as soon as they finish their course with the help of promoting bodies.
06/08/2009
06/08/2009
Type of Insurance Policies available in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. India and world over.
All risks insurance,
Aviation insurance,
Accidental Insurance
Business interruption insurance,
Construction insurance,
Casaulty Insurance,
Credit Insurance,
Credit Guarantee Insurance,
Directors and Officers Insurance,
Domestic maid insurance in saudi arabia,
Employee dishonesty insurance,
Erection insurance in saudi arabia,
Fidelity guarantee insurance in saudi arabia,
Fire insurance,
Fisheries Insurance,
Group life insurance,
General insurance,
Health insurance,
Insurance education in saudi arabia,
Liability,
Life insurance in saudi arabia,
Loss of profit,
Poultry Insurance,
Machinery insurance,
Machinery all risks insurance in saudi Arabia,
Marine ,
Medical insurance in saudi arabia,
Medical malpractice insurance,
Money insurance in saudi arabia,
Motor,
Personal possession insurance,
Professional insurance education in saudi arabia,
Property insurance in saudi arabia,
Property all risks insurance,
Third party insurance in saudi arabia,
Travel insurance in saudi arabia,
Workmen compensation,
Aviation insurance,
Accidental Insurance
Business interruption insurance,
Construction insurance,
Casaulty Insurance,
Credit Insurance,
Credit Guarantee Insurance,
Directors and Officers Insurance,
Domestic maid insurance in saudi arabia,
Employee dishonesty insurance,
Erection insurance in saudi arabia,
Fidelity guarantee insurance in saudi arabia,
Fire insurance,
Fisheries Insurance,
Group life insurance,
General insurance,
Health insurance,
Insurance education in saudi arabia,
Liability,
Life insurance in saudi arabia,
Loss of profit,
Poultry Insurance,
Machinery insurance,
Machinery all risks insurance in saudi Arabia,
Marine ,
Medical insurance in saudi arabia,
Medical malpractice insurance,
Money insurance in saudi arabia,
Motor,
Personal possession insurance,
Professional insurance education in saudi arabia,
Property insurance in saudi arabia,
Property all risks insurance,
Third party insurance in saudi arabia,
Travel insurance in saudi arabia,
Workmen compensation,
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Surge in Medical Insurance
Historically Insurance has been in existence for over three centuries in this world. Due to its enormous growth, it has been classified into various classes depending upon the type and nature of the risk involved. The major traditional classes of insurances are medical, motor, property & marine. It is found that medical together with motor constitute almost half of the insurance portfolio of the total insurance business. These classes of insurance are also known as attrition class of business as losses do occur with regular frequency. Medical insurance is more prone to attrition than any other class of insurance.
In Saudi Arabia, insurance sector has been poised for rapid growth and the major growth will be in the area of health insurance since the government has started applying cooperative health insurance scheme to expatriates working in the private sector. This scheme is being applied to expatriate workers and their families in three phases. In the first phase, companies which employ 500 or more employees are obliged to implement the scheme for their expatriate staff. In the second phase, the scheme is applied to expatriate employees in companies employing more than 100 foreigners. In the third phase, it is applied to all companies and all expatriates including domestic servants. Lately, the government has decided that expatriate workers must have health insurance coverage for the application and renewal of their Iqamas (resident permits). This decision has given a fresh boost to the Kingdom's health insurance sector.
The cooperative health insurance scheme was approved by the Council of Ministers in 1999 with the objective of regulating the mandatory medical insurance and to reduce government expenditure in the health sector. The overall average expenditure in the Saudi health sector amounts to SR 37.4 billion per year, of which 29.9 billion is government expenditure and the remaining SR 7.5 billion is accounted for by the private sector.
After implementing the cooperative health insurance scheme, medical insurance premiums is set to grow by at least 40 percent and it is expected that the newly established insurance companies will initially concentrate on health and motor insurance markets to carve out a bigger share.
In Saudi Arabia, medical insurance is being sold for almost over half a century. Until recently, the National Company for Cooperative Insurance (NCCI) had a monopoly in the market procuring a bigger share of the premiums. There were also at least 70 companies active in the market operating through offshore licensing arrangements with foreign companies. Now NCCI would face hard competition since a number of new companies licensed under the Cooperative Insurance Control Regulation has already come up and many more are in the offing. So far, at least new 13 companies have been licensed to operate in the Kingdom.
Medical insurance in the Kingdom is still in evolutionary process and it may take some more time till it stabilizes. In the past, because of the absence of regulatory body, many hospitals and clinics suffered a lot due to the default of some of insurance providers. A number of insurance firms operating in the medical insurance sector were closed down resulting in heavy loss by the hospitals and clinics which were offering medical services under the insurance coverage by these companies. The current regulations will protect the interest of all parties involved in the health insurance sector.
Another major problem facing the hospitals is the evaluation process of claims by the insurance company doctors, who frequently refused to accept claims provided by the hospital doctors. This disagreement between the doctors of hospitals and insurance companies ultimately resulted in the suffering of the patients. The insurance doctors need to trust the hospital doctors for providing better service to patients. The hospital doctors some times end-up being dictated by the insurance doctors which affect their professional efficiency.
There are many companies specializing in the health insurance in Saudi Arabia. For large groups, it is easy to get insurance coverage. However, if an individual wants to buy medical insurance, he is left with very limited choices and always finds it very difficult to get the right coverage. Some of the staff, who are on deputation here have their own international insurance coverage from the companies in their own country. The cost of health insurance coverage is also high. The cost for an individual average coverage ranges from SR 800 to SR 4,500 a year. Inspite of high cost of insurance an individual may not be able to get the coverage as per his requirements.
The mandatory health insurance coverage is standardized to make the insurance uniform and it has certain inherent advantages like compulsory coverage to a limit of SR. 250,000, dental coverage, vaccinations as per the Ministry of Health, optical and maternity medical facilities. The number of exclusions are less and well defined. The basic room requirement is semi-private room. The difficult area is the deductible amount which is 20% of the claims and is subject to a maximum of SR 100. In this context, customers have ended up paying up to SR 300 due to lack of understanding on various parties involved. However, as the scheme progresses further, the awareness will increase among the customers. Insurance companies have already found a way to overcome this deductible issue by issuing policies with fixed deductible amount. In the mandatory health scheme, there is worldwide exclusion unless the treatment is emergency in nature. Wives and children are included under the current definition of dependents. However parents and other dependents cannot be insured under the scheme.
Most importantly, customers should realize that everything is not insurable and there are always some lacuna in the insurance. Too often, it has been found that a customer either does not get the expected service owing to the fact that doctor does not prescribe the proper medicine needed by the patient since certain brands of drugs are not allowed by some insurance companies. Patients also face problems when they are required to seek approval for even small medical tests which consume much time of the patient and even after a long wait, patients are denied particular tests. The least a customer can do it to become more knowledgeable about his coverage and try to adopt the commercial principle “Caveat Emptor”
Courtesy : Mr Mohammed Sadullah Khan, an MBA, Fellow of Insurance Institute of India and an Associate of Chartered Insurance Institute of U.K., with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry — 12 of which have been in Saudi Arabia, is experienced in all classes of general insurance with special emphasis on property, medical, motor and bancassurance.
In Saudi Arabia, insurance sector has been poised for rapid growth and the major growth will be in the area of health insurance since the government has started applying cooperative health insurance scheme to expatriates working in the private sector. This scheme is being applied to expatriate workers and their families in three phases. In the first phase, companies which employ 500 or more employees are obliged to implement the scheme for their expatriate staff. In the second phase, the scheme is applied to expatriate employees in companies employing more than 100 foreigners. In the third phase, it is applied to all companies and all expatriates including domestic servants. Lately, the government has decided that expatriate workers must have health insurance coverage for the application and renewal of their Iqamas (resident permits). This decision has given a fresh boost to the Kingdom's health insurance sector.
The cooperative health insurance scheme was approved by the Council of Ministers in 1999 with the objective of regulating the mandatory medical insurance and to reduce government expenditure in the health sector. The overall average expenditure in the Saudi health sector amounts to SR 37.4 billion per year, of which 29.9 billion is government expenditure and the remaining SR 7.5 billion is accounted for by the private sector.
After implementing the cooperative health insurance scheme, medical insurance premiums is set to grow by at least 40 percent and it is expected that the newly established insurance companies will initially concentrate on health and motor insurance markets to carve out a bigger share.
In Saudi Arabia, medical insurance is being sold for almost over half a century. Until recently, the National Company for Cooperative Insurance (NCCI) had a monopoly in the market procuring a bigger share of the premiums. There were also at least 70 companies active in the market operating through offshore licensing arrangements with foreign companies. Now NCCI would face hard competition since a number of new companies licensed under the Cooperative Insurance Control Regulation has already come up and many more are in the offing. So far, at least new 13 companies have been licensed to operate in the Kingdom.
Medical insurance in the Kingdom is still in evolutionary process and it may take some more time till it stabilizes. In the past, because of the absence of regulatory body, many hospitals and clinics suffered a lot due to the default of some of insurance providers. A number of insurance firms operating in the medical insurance sector were closed down resulting in heavy loss by the hospitals and clinics which were offering medical services under the insurance coverage by these companies. The current regulations will protect the interest of all parties involved in the health insurance sector.
Another major problem facing the hospitals is the evaluation process of claims by the insurance company doctors, who frequently refused to accept claims provided by the hospital doctors. This disagreement between the doctors of hospitals and insurance companies ultimately resulted in the suffering of the patients. The insurance doctors need to trust the hospital doctors for providing better service to patients. The hospital doctors some times end-up being dictated by the insurance doctors which affect their professional efficiency.
There are many companies specializing in the health insurance in Saudi Arabia. For large groups, it is easy to get insurance coverage. However, if an individual wants to buy medical insurance, he is left with very limited choices and always finds it very difficult to get the right coverage. Some of the staff, who are on deputation here have their own international insurance coverage from the companies in their own country. The cost of health insurance coverage is also high. The cost for an individual average coverage ranges from SR 800 to SR 4,500 a year. Inspite of high cost of insurance an individual may not be able to get the coverage as per his requirements.
The mandatory health insurance coverage is standardized to make the insurance uniform and it has certain inherent advantages like compulsory coverage to a limit of SR. 250,000, dental coverage, vaccinations as per the Ministry of Health, optical and maternity medical facilities. The number of exclusions are less and well defined. The basic room requirement is semi-private room. The difficult area is the deductible amount which is 20% of the claims and is subject to a maximum of SR 100. In this context, customers have ended up paying up to SR 300 due to lack of understanding on various parties involved. However, as the scheme progresses further, the awareness will increase among the customers. Insurance companies have already found a way to overcome this deductible issue by issuing policies with fixed deductible amount. In the mandatory health scheme, there is worldwide exclusion unless the treatment is emergency in nature. Wives and children are included under the current definition of dependents. However parents and other dependents cannot be insured under the scheme.
Most importantly, customers should realize that everything is not insurable and there are always some lacuna in the insurance. Too often, it has been found that a customer either does not get the expected service owing to the fact that doctor does not prescribe the proper medicine needed by the patient since certain brands of drugs are not allowed by some insurance companies. Patients also face problems when they are required to seek approval for even small medical tests which consume much time of the patient and even after a long wait, patients are denied particular tests. The least a customer can do it to become more knowledgeable about his coverage and try to adopt the commercial principle “Caveat Emptor”
Courtesy : Mr Mohammed Sadullah Khan, an MBA, Fellow of Insurance Institute of India and an Associate of Chartered Insurance Institute of U.K., with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry — 12 of which have been in Saudi Arabia, is experienced in all classes of general insurance with special emphasis on property, medical, motor and bancassurance.
Motor Insurance in Saudi Arabia
Important:
1) The values indicated must represent reasonable market price to ensure satisfactory settlement of claims. Under insurance could result in the vehicle being treated as a constructive total loss even where the claim is relatively small.
2) Under most of the policies legal liability of the passenger is covered under the policy upto a certain limit of passengers.
3) In case of cancellation you need to demand pro-rata refund in case you are leaving the Kingdom.
4) Normally get the quotes from atleast 2-3 reputed Insurers over the telephone or email.
5) Do not handover your keys to any person who is not reliable.
6) After accident Protect your vehicle to safety. Subsequent losses are not covered under the insurance coverage.
7) Deal with professional companies.
Type of Coverages Comprehensive - Specified Risks, Compreshensive All Risks, Third Party fire and Theft and Third Party only. Personal Accident Benefits (unnamed Driver and Passengers – Optional covers)
Coverage Details:(1) Damage to Vehicles:
the reasonable cost of repair, or
the reasonable market value of the vehicle at the time of loss; or
The Estimate of Value as stated in the Policy.
whichever is the least
(2) Liability to Third Parties:
In respect of Bodily Injury - SR. 5,000,000 any one claim
In respect of Property Damage- SR. 5,000,000 any one claim
(3) Towing Charges - SR. 1,000 or 500 or 250
(4) Medical Expenses - SR. 1,000 any one accident
(5) Personal Accident/Medical Benefits- ( SR. 100,000 any one Driver/Passenger)
(6) Agency Repair - In case of Agency repair the rates are higher and deductibles are also higher.
(7) Geographical Extenstion – People want to go to Egypt, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait,Qatar, Jodran, Yemen etc. It can be done to the own damage section fot the coverage.
Authorised Driver: Any person driving on Insured's order or with their permission.
Deductible: Varies from SR. 250 to SR. 2500.
Vehicles Insured:
Commercial and Private with mild variations. There are also coverage for special type of vehicles.
Basic requirements for Motor Insurance in Saudi Arabia
The following are the basic requirements of Motor Vehicle Insurance in Saudi Arabia
A proposal Form
Copy of Istimara (essentiala)
Copy of Iqama ( not essential)
Vehicle for Inspection ( for individuals )
Payment of premium in advance (for individuals)
Claims experience
For Motor Fleets there is flexibility in requirements. Normally for Fleets the follwoing are the requirements
a list of vehicles with various details like
Make and model of the vehicle
Seating Capacity
Yeat of Make
Estimated value
Claims experience for atleast 3 years
S.A. Khan
1) The values indicated must represent reasonable market price to ensure satisfactory settlement of claims. Under insurance could result in the vehicle being treated as a constructive total loss even where the claim is relatively small.
2) Under most of the policies legal liability of the passenger is covered under the policy upto a certain limit of passengers.
3) In case of cancellation you need to demand pro-rata refund in case you are leaving the Kingdom.
4) Normally get the quotes from atleast 2-3 reputed Insurers over the telephone or email.
5) Do not handover your keys to any person who is not reliable.
6) After accident Protect your vehicle to safety. Subsequent losses are not covered under the insurance coverage.
7) Deal with professional companies.
Type of Coverages Comprehensive - Specified Risks, Compreshensive All Risks, Third Party fire and Theft and Third Party only. Personal Accident Benefits (unnamed Driver and Passengers – Optional covers)
Coverage Details:(1) Damage to Vehicles:
the reasonable cost of repair, or
the reasonable market value of the vehicle at the time of loss; or
The Estimate of Value as stated in the Policy.
whichever is the least
(2) Liability to Third Parties:
In respect of Bodily Injury - SR. 5,000,000 any one claim
In respect of Property Damage- SR. 5,000,000 any one claim
(3) Towing Charges - SR. 1,000 or 500 or 250
(4) Medical Expenses - SR. 1,000 any one accident
(5) Personal Accident/Medical Benefits- ( SR. 100,000 any one Driver/Passenger)
(6) Agency Repair - In case of Agency repair the rates are higher and deductibles are also higher.
(7) Geographical Extenstion – People want to go to Egypt, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait,Qatar, Jodran, Yemen etc. It can be done to the own damage section fot the coverage.
Authorised Driver: Any person driving on Insured's order or with their permission.
Deductible: Varies from SR. 250 to SR. 2500.
Vehicles Insured:
Commercial and Private with mild variations. There are also coverage for special type of vehicles.
Basic requirements for Motor Insurance in Saudi Arabia
The following are the basic requirements of Motor Vehicle Insurance in Saudi Arabia
A proposal Form
Copy of Istimara (essentiala)
Copy of Iqama ( not essential)
Vehicle for Inspection ( for individuals )
Payment of premium in advance (for individuals)
Claims experience
For Motor Fleets there is flexibility in requirements. Normally for Fleets the follwoing are the requirements
a list of vehicles with various details like
Make and model of the vehicle
Seating Capacity
Yeat of Make
Estimated value
Claims experience for atleast 3 years
S.A. Khan
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Bubbling Controversy
Coverage on "Burqa" seems to have overshadowed the demise of "King of Pop" in Media. It is heartening to see the huge response in the media to the remarks made by the French President, who in his usual ignorance and unbaked curiosity has opened the Pandora's Box. He might have never imagined the reaction to his ignorant remarks from all over the world. For some ignorance is bliss.
The word Burqa is usually used to describe the black outer garment worn by the Muslim women. Burqa, is preferred by many women because it is easy to wear and easy to take-out. It is designed to adhere to the Quranic guideline of coverage for women. However it is preferable to use the word Hijab instead of Burqa. Burqa is one of the Hijaab.
Like most of the controversies and misconceptions related to Islam, which time and again erupt and give a chance to the gullible ignorant to balloon it up further. Islamic dress code is being followed for over 1430 years and it has been prescribed in Quran when it was revealed. Dr. Zakir Nair, one of the famous Indian Islamic Scholar, who is also famous for his verbatim quotations of various World religions, has identified 20 of the most common mis-conceptions among non-Muslims. His presentations on the same and articles has helped many people to over-come their misunderstanding of Islam and appreciate the beauty of Islam. Few years ago he had listed the Burqa related misconception under his list at No.3. He dispels this as follows,
"Misconception # 3: Islam subjugates women in a veil.
Reply: If you look at history, to ancient civilizations, you will find that women were the oppressed people. They had no individual merit. The Babylonians used to punish the woman for her husband's mistakes. The ancient Egyptians did the same. Ancient Arabs buried their newly born daughters.
It was Islam that uplifted the status of women. It gave women rights they never had before. Surah Nissah exhorts believing men to lower their gaze if a lady is passing by. Similarly, there are exhortations for women to lower their gaze if strange men are around. The Quran also speaks about the hijab for men and women to protect the modesty. The hijab for men is to cover their bodies minimally from their navel to the knees. The hijab for women is to cover their whole bodies except for their faces and hands below their wrists. There are descriptions for a female hijab, that it should cover the endowments including head, not be tight, not be transparent, not be like the clothes of non-believers, and not be like the clothes of the other gender, etc. Women got the right to own, inherit property, and to dispose it of at will.
Let me ask you a question: Suppose two identical twin sisters are walking down a street, and one of them is dressed in revealing clothing, while the other one is wearing a hijab. Who will be boys in the street whistle at or tease: the one who is scantily dressed in a mini-skirt, or the one who is modestly attired? The answer is obvious. The hijab is designed to prevent women from being molested. It brings peace to society and prevents mischief. "
All non-Muslims should be given an opportunity to go through these fully listed misconceptions; there will be lesser number of controversies. Media should also take care to highlight these, whenever a similar controversy erupts.
Islam as a religion gave undeniable rights to women. Burqa is not a symbol of imprisonment but it is a symbol of freedom. Burqa, has proven to give women freedom from exploitation, harassment, subjugation and eve teasing. It elevates the women. A vast majority of reverts are women and they have voluntarily adapted to Burqa. The reverts Yvonne Ridley, a former Christian and Kamala Surayya, a former Hindu, both well educated women and have been fully aware of the rights and freedom of women. These women have accepted Islam on a free will and adapted to burqa (veil) voluntarily. No one coerced them to do so. Islam as a religion prescribes dress code to its followers both men and women. The western societies should not imprison women with their views of freedom. The Muslim women should be given a choice of what she wants to wear in a free society.
Mohammed Sadullah Khan
The word Burqa is usually used to describe the black outer garment worn by the Muslim women. Burqa, is preferred by many women because it is easy to wear and easy to take-out. It is designed to adhere to the Quranic guideline of coverage for women. However it is preferable to use the word Hijab instead of Burqa. Burqa is one of the Hijaab.
Like most of the controversies and misconceptions related to Islam, which time and again erupt and give a chance to the gullible ignorant to balloon it up further. Islamic dress code is being followed for over 1430 years and it has been prescribed in Quran when it was revealed. Dr. Zakir Nair, one of the famous Indian Islamic Scholar, who is also famous for his verbatim quotations of various World religions, has identified 20 of the most common mis-conceptions among non-Muslims. His presentations on the same and articles has helped many people to over-come their misunderstanding of Islam and appreciate the beauty of Islam. Few years ago he had listed the Burqa related misconception under his list at No.3. He dispels this as follows,
"Misconception # 3: Islam subjugates women in a veil.
Reply: If you look at history, to ancient civilizations, you will find that women were the oppressed people. They had no individual merit. The Babylonians used to punish the woman for her husband's mistakes. The ancient Egyptians did the same. Ancient Arabs buried their newly born daughters.
It was Islam that uplifted the status of women. It gave women rights they never had before. Surah Nissah exhorts believing men to lower their gaze if a lady is passing by. Similarly, there are exhortations for women to lower their gaze if strange men are around. The Quran also speaks about the hijab for men and women to protect the modesty. The hijab for men is to cover their bodies minimally from their navel to the knees. The hijab for women is to cover their whole bodies except for their faces and hands below their wrists. There are descriptions for a female hijab, that it should cover the endowments including head, not be tight, not be transparent, not be like the clothes of non-believers, and not be like the clothes of the other gender, etc. Women got the right to own, inherit property, and to dispose it of at will.
Let me ask you a question: Suppose two identical twin sisters are walking down a street, and one of them is dressed in revealing clothing, while the other one is wearing a hijab. Who will be boys in the street whistle at or tease: the one who is scantily dressed in a mini-skirt, or the one who is modestly attired? The answer is obvious. The hijab is designed to prevent women from being molested. It brings peace to society and prevents mischief. "
All non-Muslims should be given an opportunity to go through these fully listed misconceptions; there will be lesser number of controversies. Media should also take care to highlight these, whenever a similar controversy erupts.
Islam as a religion gave undeniable rights to women. Burqa is not a symbol of imprisonment but it is a symbol of freedom. Burqa, has proven to give women freedom from exploitation, harassment, subjugation and eve teasing. It elevates the women. A vast majority of reverts are women and they have voluntarily adapted to Burqa. The reverts Yvonne Ridley, a former Christian and Kamala Surayya, a former Hindu, both well educated women and have been fully aware of the rights and freedom of women. These women have accepted Islam on a free will and adapted to burqa (veil) voluntarily. No one coerced them to do so. Islam as a religion prescribes dress code to its followers both men and women. The western societies should not imprison women with their views of freedom. The Muslim women should be given a choice of what she wants to wear in a free society.
Mohammed Sadullah Khan
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Fake Degree
Now a days there are so many con men who deal in fake degrees and it is easy to get a response from the un-recognized universities but bit difficult to get the same response from the recognized universities. Many people while pursuing their goal of obtaining a suitable degree get trapped by these fake degree marketers. These degrees are great to look at and are only cosmetic and may cause real trouble when an opportunity to it utility arises. Gullible people should be beware of these individuals and institutions, which are there only to make a quick buck.(29-04-2009)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Professionalism
The core values of Islamic system like justice, peace, trustworthiness and detesting of fraud, dishonesty, cheating and theft are important and need of the hour. The recognition of the equality of human beings is one of the important aspects of any human endeavour. These qualities may not have entered into the real definition of professionalism. However if these values are added to the definition of professionalism, it will give value addition to the professionalism and enhance the trustworthiness of a real professional. Even if small elements of Islamic morals are added to all educational and professional developments, this will definitely create a right sort of professional useful for the society.
Islamic Banking
The current financial crisis coupled with global recession has caused many flutters. Islamic Banking, if it follows the real principles of Shariah, it can go a long way in addressing the global issues like poverty, inflation, fraud, unemployment, recession and will fuel growth of economy in real terms. The failure of capitalistic principles in addressing the core issues of society will create a big vaccum, which can be very well filled by the Islamic Economic and Banking system which takes care of societal needs and benefits the society at large. Labelling any product and system as Islamic may not address the real issue.
By Mohammed Sadullah Khan
By Mohammed Sadullah Khan
Cultural Shock
In the current scenario the world has become a global village. People go around world for education, employment, leisure and other reasons. Inspite of being a global village each country or city has its own cultural uniqueness and character, hence a newcomer need to be trained to live in the new environment. If the person is not aware of the consequences of behaving in the new culture or is not strong willed enough to avoid the temptations, he will end up becoming a wreck. I have seen quite few newcomers who have gone insane as they were not able to adjust to the cultural shock of the new city. Proper Training will definitely help them.
Mohammed Sadullah Khan
Mohammed Sadullah Khan
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